How to perform a monologue?

Answer 1

First you must learn the text thoroughly, not just to memorize the order of the words but to understand the message the monologue is meant to impart. Ideally you should know more about the topic of the monologue than is expressed in it, so that you appear to be speaking on a subject with which you are well versed.

Once that understanding is complete you will know where to give inflections, pauses etc. that will emphasize the meaning and impact of the statement.

The next consideration is: to whom is the monologue directed? Whomever that may be (whether an individual, a body of people, an abstraction such as 'the fates', 'God', humanity at large) the actor may then direct his speech to this audience in his/her mind. Imagine these persons or abstractions and hold them in your mind as you deliver the lines. Give this audience personality in your perception of it, imagine its response to the points being made in the monologue and react to those responses.

Of course, clear diction, good projection, proper use of voice and body language are also important, as they are in all other aspects of acting.

Answer 2

This question is much too vague to get a good answer. First off, what do you mean by how? Second, it totally depends on what kind of monologue we're talking about. Third, there are myriad ways to perform any given monologue anyway. It's something you to work out for yourself.

Answer 3

I have done monologues and have written many for other people to perform and in my experience you have to really understand what you're reading. You have to imagine what you're reading is how you're feeling and what really happened. Like if it's a monologue about someone who lost their parents at an early age, talk like you were someone who has lost everything and gone through great grief. It's all in the voice buddy.

Answer 4

Ah, first you write it, if it is already written, read it and understand the messages.

Read it again. Repeat it out loud. Say the first word from memory. Say the first two words from memory. Repeat this process until you have said the entire monologue from memory. Now add feeling, and inflection to make the message come through. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE.

Answer 5

Diction and breathing are essential. Also, as yourself 2 questions: why was this monologue written in a first place and why do YOU do it.

Answer 6

You must have the good sense of humor and you should be memorizing some shoots and parts of your favourite movies
and you can train on saying it like the actors do
but it's a gift from God, you can't do a monologue if you don't have the good sense of humor and don't try to make it up .

Answer 7

Thoughtfully

Answer 8

Speak up, and keep it moving. That's a wrap.